First steps on mini nuke plant journey

ROLLS-ROYCE SMR has taken the first steps on securing the go-ahead for new mini-nuclear reactors - with Wylfa and Trawsfynydd tipped as potential sites for the power plants.

The engineering giant has submitted a 470MW Small Modular Reactor (SMR) design for entry to the UK’s Generic Design Assessment (GDA) regulatory process.

Rolls-Royce said last week that it had established the Rolls-Royce SMR business to deploy SMRs that could be available to the UK grid in the early 2030s. The new business has been formed with investors BNF Resources and the US generator Exelon Generation with a joint investment of £195m to fund the plans over the next three years.

The first step is to secure clearance from the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy through its initial screening process, which will confirm the Rolls-Royce SMR business is suitability qualified to enter the Office for Nuclear Regulation, Natural Resources Wales and Environment Agency’s combined GDA process.

This initial screening process reviews whether a company has the capability and capacity to successfully enter the UK GDA process.

The Government evaluation process is expected to take up to four months before the regulators can begin their formal review process.

Helena Perry, regulatory and safety affairs director, said: “This is an important moment for the nuclear industry, as a UK SMR reactor design enters the initial process for regulatory approval for the first time. We have already made 270 design decisions during our prelicensing engagement and are confident of working with the experienced regulatory teams to deliver an efficient GDA process.

“The GDA process is expected to take 4-5 years, during which time, Rolls-Royce SMR will engage in a range of parallel activities, including factory development, siting and commercial discussions.”